Coastal Projects Field Technician

About Mass Audubon
Mass Audubon is the largest nature-based conservation organization in New England. Founded in 1896 by two women who fought for the protection of birds, Mass Audubon carries on their legacy by focusing on the greatest challenges facing the environment today: the loss of biodiversity, inequitable access to nature, and climate change. With the help of our 160,000 members and supporters, we protect wildlife, conserve and restore resilient land, advocate for impactful environmental policies, offer nationally recognized education programs for adults and children, and provide endless opportunities to experience the outdoors at our wildlife sanctuaries. Explore, find inspiration, and take action at massaudubon.org.

About This Position
The Coastal Projects Field Technician performs field work at sites including Allens Pond, the Westport River and other southeastern, MA locations. The Field Technician leads all seasonal aspects of the South Coast Osprey Project which includes: monitoring breeding osprey and nest sites; managing watercraft, equipment, nesting platforms, and volunteers; maintaining databases; handling and banding chicks; communicating with sponsors and partners; and taking part in outreach activities. In addition, the Field Technician assists with protecting and monitoring coastal nesting birds on the South Coast and South Shore and assists with stewardship tasks at Mass Audubon Sanctuaries in Dartmouth and Wareham. The Field Technician represents Mass Audubon and engages the public in positive interactions that promote understanding of wildlife and habitat; upholds policies regarding natural resource use and sanctuary visitation; and communicates our action agenda priorities.

Application Instructions
To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and three references with your ADP application. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as interviews will begin on a rolling basis.

Responsibilities

• Collect and digitally store accurate data, maps, and photographs of activity and nest sites of osprey, saltmarsh sparrows, and beach-nesting birds
• Operate outboard engine and navigate by boat to osprey nest sites
• Assist with fence installation, camera deployment, and bird monitoring at nesting beaches and salt marshes
• Maintain Mass Audubon property and assist habitat management using hand and power tools
• Handle birds in accordance with protocols and permits
• Plan and execute a scheduled species recovery event in partnership with partners in Illinois
• Schedule, train, coordinate, equip, and supervise volunteers and early-career teammates
• Interact with the public to provide information regarding beach regulations and ecology
• Prepare reports, document incidents, identify and communicate needs and opportunities

Qualifications
At Mass Audubon, our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or you have a less traditional background. We are looking for applicants with the following qualifications:

Must Haves

• Associate degree in science or B.S., B.A., or higher in wildlife biology/management, ecology, zoology, environmental science, or related field; equivalent experience considered
• Three to six months prior experience in osprey/raptor/avian/wildlife field monitoring, data collection, animal handling, project management, and report completion
• Three to six months previous supervisory experience; demonstrated ability to set expectations, give feedback, and manage schedules for staff or volunteers
• Demonstrated leadership experience using good judgement in field-based projects; demonstrated strong attention to detail
• Experience navigating waterways and operating a shallow-water skiff with gasoline-powered motor
• Experience operating hand and power tools for landscape and building maintenance
• Ability to work in physically demanding settings and field conditions; walk long distances across varied terrain while carrying personal and project equipment; climb ladders; and occasionally lift and move up to 50lbs
• Strong interpersonal skills, self-motivation, reliability, flexibility, and positive attitude
• Ability to interact with project partners and the public in a professional manner and work both cooperatively and independently
• Availability to work irregular hours including after dawn, before dusk, and weekends
• Access to a vehicle for daily driving between sites
• Access to means of communication and data management by phone, text, virtual meeting and email.

Nice to Haves

• Experience banding osprey, saltmarsh sparrow, or other raptor/ avian species
• Experience in biological and behavioral data collection, band-reading, wildlife tracking, coastal wildlife management issues, and GIS mapping
• Ability to operate a standard/manual-shift pickup truck

Compensation, Benefits and Perks
This position’s pay range is $17.37-$19.54/hour; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements. This position is eligible for health insurance benefits.

Work Schedule
This position begins on March 1, 2024 and ends on September 27, 2024. Hours are variable according to seasonal conditions and project priorities, generally ranging between 30-40 hours per week. Field work is tide-, weather-, and daylight-dependent.

Other Requirements
Employees must successfully complete a CORI and SORI Background Check and a Motor Vehicle Record (if applicable) is required.

Mass Audubon’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice
Mass Audubon embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are dedicated to forming a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Mass Audubon’s mission is to “protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and for wildlife” by building a strong coalition of employees, volunteers, and community members. We recognize that the environmental movement and field of conservation have been affected by societal systems that have limited opportunity and access for many people. As a result, Mass Audubon is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We are engaged in an ongoing process of organizational assessment and change, designed to remove barriers and create a workplace where all forms of diversity are recognized and valued.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Mass Audubon is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Mass Audubon prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.